INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE 
An Internationalization in Higher Education Conference was held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU).
Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) hosted the hybrid conference titled "Internationalization in Higher Education: Shaping Global Challenges and Opportunities (IHECON 2024)", bringing together academic leaders, researchers, and experts from 19 countries to discuss the future of internationalization in higher education.
Held from October 25 to 27, 2024, at OMU's Atatürk Congress and Culture Center and the Distance Education Center (UZEM), IHECON 2024 was supported by 26 universities and five partner institutions, including the Yunus Emre Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, and Çarşamba Municipality. The conference aimed to foster discussions on international cooperation, digital transformation, and the evolving landscape of higher education in a post-pandemic world.
Opening speeches were delivered by experts.
The conference began with opening speeches by Prof. Dr. M. Said Kurşunoğlu, Chair of the IHECON2024 Organizing Committee, and Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Vice Rector of Ondokuz Mayıs University. This was followed by opening talks from Prof. Dr. Kimberly Noels from the University of Alberta, Canada, on "Language Education and Internationalization", and Emeritus Prof. Dr. Hans de Wit from Boston College, USA, who spoke on "Critical Thoughts on the Concept and Evolution of Internationalization in Higher Education". These speeches set the stage for discussions on the growing importance of international cooperation and the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions worldwide.
Following the opening speeches, conference sessions explored perspectives on the role of internationalization in advancing academic exchange and global engagement.
In the afternoon session, the opening speakers were Prof. Dr. Mahmut Aydın, Rector of Samsun University, who presented "Borderless Higher Education: What's Next?", and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qiang Zha from York University, who gave a talk titled "Problematising the Internationalization of Higher Education: China as Methodology".
Throughout the conference, 70 presentations were made in 18 sessions, with representatives from 22 different countries sharing their views. Each session included interactive Q&A sections that encouraged dynamic exchanges of ideas among participants.
OMU and Global Collaboration
Speaking on behalf of OMU, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu, Head of the International Relations Department and Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, emphasized the university's commitment to expanding its international reach. "Since the establishment of the Erasmus Office in 2004, OMU has signed cooperation agreements with 180 universities in 53 countries and is currently hosting over 5,000 international students," he stated. "However, as the world rapidly digitalizes, these efforts are just the beginning. OMU aims to establish more quality-focused partnerships in the future, aligned with global trends in internationalization."
Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Vice Rector of OMU, delivered the opening speech, highlighting the importance of IHECON 2024 as evidence of OMU's commitment to international collaboration and its role in advancing global academic connections.
OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın also attended the conference, where she met with participants and took part in sessions.
Distinguished International Participants
IHECON 2024 featured numerous international participants. Among the distinguished guests were:
Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin B. Abu Hassan, Director of International Relations at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Prof. Dr. Vincent Kakembo, Vice Rector of Muteesa I Royal University in Uganda
Prof. Zakir Jumakulov, Vice Rector of Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University in Kazakhstan
Nazlı Tyfekci, Vice Rector of Fehmi Agani University in Kosovo
Süleyman Cabati, President of the Sierra Leone-Turkey Friendship Association
These distinguished participants contributed to enriching discussions and fostered valuable international collaboration at the conference.
Discussions on the Future of Internationalization
On the second day of IHECON 2024, speakers explored various dimensions of internationalization, such as the intersection of technological advancement, intercultural exchange, and the future workforce. The keynote speakers on this day included:
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Said Kurşunoğlu (OMU): “The Geographical Conceptual Foundations of Visionary Internationalization in Higher Education: Interests and Contradictions”
Prof. Dr. Mohd Ariffin B. Abu Hassan (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia): “The Internationalization Strategy of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): The Road Ahead”
Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Ismail (Rector, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia): “The Internationalization Agenda of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia: The Path Forward”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dewi Yanti Liliana (Politeknik Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia): “Ethical Horizons: Using Productive Artificial Intelligence for Education”
These discussions emphasized how universities can adopt internationalization to better equip students for a globalized world and advance research through global partnerships.
Additionally, Ms. Clara Fatmata Koroma, the Chancellor of the Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy in Ankara, delivered a speech focusing on the relationship between Turkey and Sierra Leone. This speech further highlighted the importance of international cooperation and building diplomatic and academic ties between nations.
Closing Thoughts and Conclusions
As the conference concluded, participants expressed their appreciation for OMU's role in facilitating such a large-scale and significant exchange of ideas. The event emphasized the importance of solid international partnerships and proactive strategies for navigating the changing landscape of global education. IHECON 2024 marked a significant step in encouraging international collaboration among universities, contributing to the development of an evolving roadmap for global higher education.